Tesla will soon put its all-electric Model X crossover on sale, and if it's anywhere near as successful as the brand's four-door sedan the Model S, then it'll be a hell of an attention getter for mainstream automakers. Land Rover isn't waiting for proof of the Model X's success, though.

A new study out of Germany suggests adopting a modular approach to battery offerings in plug-in hybrid and extended range electric vehicles. Automakers could offer the same car with different battery sizes (and different costs, accordingly) to drivers depending on their driving ranges. This would optimize the total cost of ownership for various drivers better than the current approach. Developing a modular battery design and offering appropriate batteries for different customers "is the key for

For Jaguar Land Rover, a dual-energy-source powertain requires a two-company investment. Word is, JLR is looking for a partner to develop a cleaner, better hybrid powertrain. The vehicle maker, long known for its SUVs and really heavy cars, is in discussions with other automakers about joining up on a hybrid collaboration, Automotive News says, citing Wolfgang Epple, the company's head of research and technology.

Land Rover may have ditched its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 in favor of a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 on the new Ranger Rover due to fuel economy concerns, but don't think that the British off-road brand is content to sit on its laurels with the V6/V8 strategy.

Considering what year it is, it almost seems weird to say that Land Rover has just introduced its very first production hybrid here at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. After all, automakers have been getting into the gasoline-electric game for well over a decade now. Nevertheless, Landie's first hybrid vehicle is, of course, the flagship Range Rover, though this technology can also be had in the smaller Range Rover Sport, as well.